Rose stood by the altar, watching as Tilly made her way up the aisle on her father's arm, while a cellist played 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran on a makeshift stage in the corner next to the altar.

Tilly looked a vision in her off the shoulder, slim fitting, lace gown with a slight train. Her bouquet of lush white peonies completed the look. Rose felt teary as she watched her best friend about to get married. She blamed the pregnancy hormones. Everything made her emotional at the moment.

She glanced down to make sure her own bouquet of white and peach peonies was where it should be-hiding her bump. She had Tilly inspect her before leaving for the church to make sure no one would notice.

"You look beautiful. That sweetheart neckline makes your boobs look fantastic, and the ruche skirt was a good idea, too. It's a good thing you're carrying towards your back, so that bump is mostly hidden. Combined with the shawl, no one will notice a thing," Tilly had said, smiling.

She had left the shawl for later as the weather was exceptionally hot again, but the old church had a lack of natural light and shadows bounced around the large room with all the flickering candles, making it a perfect setting for concealment.

Once Tilly was standing next to Daniel, Rose kept her gaze focused on them. She had glimpsed Ethan as she walked up the aisle before Tilly, and was left breathless at how handsome he looked. She had to stay strong and only focus on the happy couple.

Unfortunately, when it came time for the vows, Rose couldn't keep it in. They had written their own and their words were really hitting her in the feels. She looked at a spot on the floor, repeating the mantra in her head, 'don't cry, don't cry, don't cry.'

After a minute or two had passed and she felt like she was in control again, she looked back up, only to have her eyes lock with Ethan's. He was watching her, and she found herself unable to look away. They stayed like that until a roar of applause ripped through the church and the spell was broken.

She scolded herself. She had to keep her wits about her and away from Ethan. As they walked arm in arm down the aisle, she kept her eyes straight ahead and did not engage in any small talk. Once outside, Rose released the breath she was holding and headed straight for Tilly to give her a big hug.

"I know I've already told you, but you look amazing. Congratulations Mrs Dashwood." As the words left her mouth, she instantly regretted them. It only reminded her of what she would never be.

"Thank you, I'm so happy you're here." Tilly gave her another big squeeze, then moved on to the other guests.

Rose looked around to find Daniel so she could congratulate him, too. But instead she saw the infamous Gretchen walk up to Ethan and give him a passionate kiss in front of everyone. Jealousy shot through Rose like a bolt of lightning.

She couldn't be around them. It hurt too much. She headed for the loo to kill time before they left for photos. Fifteen minutes later, Rose double checked herself in the restroom mirror. From the front she actually looked pretty good, and Tilly was right, her boobs looked great. The sage green colour of her dress really completed her eyes as well. She had to be careful though, because glancing at herself side on gave away the tiniest hint of a bump.

She jumped into the waiting car with Liz and Jemima, then grabbed the shawl and placed it around herself for added protection.

Once they arrived at Hampton Court Palace, they went to the manicured Gardens for photos while the rest of the guests went to the grand marquee for drinks and nibbles.

It was an amazing venue. As they walked along the lime stone paths, she took in every statue and sculpted hedge. Another thing she missed about England, the centuries old, classic style and elegant history.

Rose fell behind a little while on their way to a large fountain that Tilly really wanted photos next to. Tilly chatted easily with the photographer, Daniel was talking with his other groomsmen, and Ethan was stuck with Liz and Jemima. Those two were clearly on a mission to seduce him.

Suddenly, the garden didn't seem so appealing anymore and she watched the girls flirt, giggle, and touch him. He looked uncomfortable, but seemed to manage. He had to deal with women like that a lot, though. It was a side effect of his fame.

Finally, after feeling like Tilly had almost dragged them around the entire estate, it was time to head back for the evening meal. Rose was famished. While Tilly and the other girls picked at their food, she tucked into hers-even stealing some from Tilly.

It wasn't long before the loo called to her once again. It was nearly time for the speeches, and she was giving one, so she made a quick dash to relieve herself, yet again.

She felt so much better as she finished up. She placed her shawl on a small table so she could wash her hands. Then another loo flushed and she watched in the mirror as Gretchen sauntered out.

She smiled at Rose's reflection and said 'hi', then stopped to wash her hands next to Rose. She had to admit, Gretchen was hot. Her tight satin mini dress left little to the imagination. Rose could even see her nipples peeking through the taut material. Definitely never heard of a bra, she thought.

Rose dried her hands and was checking her teeth for food when Gretchen said, "shit!" loudly.

Rose looked over and noticed Gretchen looking at her partially protruding bump.

"Shit!" said Rose.

"Great, not only did I have to watch my date stare at his ex for the whole freaking wedding, but now this? There's no way I can compete with this." Gretchen waved her hands next to Rose's stomach.

"Please don't say anything, he doesn't know."

"It's not my place, but keep that shawl around you, if you don't want anyone else noticing."

"Thank you." Rose offered a weak smile.

"Can I say something though?"

"Ah, okay?"

"You should tell him-" Rose was about to interrupt, when Gretchen held up a hand to stop her. "He's clearly still in love with you. He couldn't take his eyes off you the whole ceremony. Plus, he's a good guy, he deserves to know."

Rose wasn't sure how to take all that. She still loved him too, but was that really enough? And she knew she should tell him, but the selfish part of her wanted to punish him.

"Thanks for the advice, I'll think about it."

"No problem, and... good luck. I'm out of here!"

Gretchen left, and Rose gathered up her shawl. She put it on in front of the mirror and covered her whole middle. Once satisfied, she went back to the reception.

On her way to her seat, she looked over at where she knew Gretchen had been sitting. Her belongings now gone. She then made the mistake of looking at Ethan, who was watching her in annoyance.

Rose ignored him and sat down next to Tilly. About five seconds later, she felt hot breath run down her neck.

"What did you do to make Gretchen leave?"

She looked up into Ethan's stormy eyes.

"I didn't do anything, she thinks you're still in love with me."

Ethan stood up straight, clearly not expecting that answer.

"Is everything okay?" Tilly asked.

"Fine," Ethan barked. Then sat back down next to Daniel.

"What was that all about?" Tilly whispered.

"I'll tell you later," Rose whispered back.

The speeches went off without a hitch. Tilly's dad gushed about how wonderful Daniel is, Mr Dashwood, prattled on about family and honour and duty. Ethan told a few hilarious stories about Daniel, and then it was Rose's turn.

She stood clutching her shawl and holding a piece of paper in front of her. She shared how they first met, stories about her time on Rose's family farm. The vegemite story was a hit and everyone laughed. As she neared the end of her speech, she had to turn the paper around. She lost her grip on her shawl, which fell to her side.

She dropped the paper and quickly grabbed the shawl. Composing herself, she finished her speech.

"I'm so proud of you Tilly and all you've achieved in the last year. And Daniel, thank you for loving her and making her life complete. The two of you are proof, happy endings exist."

She looked down at Tilly, who had tears in her eyes. And Daniel who kissed Tilly's hand, then smiled at Rose. They both said 'thank you' and she smiled back. Then she looked over at Ethan, who was frowning at her-or more specifically, her stomach.

She quickly sat down as Daniel stood and raised a toast to the room in honour of his new bride.

Half an hour later, when the dancing was about to start, Ethan came up behind her and whispered in her ear, "we need to talk."

She let him pull her outside to a secluded spot in the garden. Dread filled her with every step. He let her go and stood there, looking at her.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" He asked.

Rose hesitated.

"Drop the shawl, Rose"

She was hoping this was about Gretchen, but he must have noticed during the speeches. The jig was up-again. She dropped the shawl and ran her hands over her bump.

"How many months?" He ground out.

"Five." She squirmed under his intense gaze.

"How long have you known?" It was scary how calm and controlled he sounded.

"Since I returned home. I had really terrible morning sickness at first."

"Were you ever going to tell me?"

"No," she whispered, looking at the ground.

Silence fell around them and tears threatened to fall. This was not how she had wanted things to go. This was a disaster!